The Messalonskee girls basketball team has made a steady climb since Keith Derosby took over as head coach six years ago, culminating in its first-ever Class A state championship last month.

But success didn’t arrive overnight for the Eagles or Derosby. Former coaches John Donato and Brenda Beckwith helped lay the groundwork for success at the Oakland school while Derosby cites a host of coaches who have influenced him in an 18-year coaching career that includes boys basketball and soccer.

“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Tommy Hill and Todd McArthur who have shown me what it means to coach with passion and to stay true to yourself,” Derrosby said. “And my wife (Elaine) who is not only a great resource as a coach’s wife, but is a varsity coach as well.”